at least that bodes well if Kovtun/Gachinski dont live up to their hypes

True. There is a lot of potential in those three! Of course looking over the protocol pitkeev had tons help here! Jin with a three jump combo and a jump sequence which got invalidated because you can't do both! Pitkeev still showed real growth as a skater.

Seems Michael is still injured but still went on to skate. Too bad about the chance but he did his best during the circumstances. Lucky he didn't end up like the other one who withdrew. This was his FB post a while ago:

I almost withdrew in the Freeskate this afternoon. It was a real struggle to land my jumps & skate. My ankle was swollen again after 2 days additional practices.
Thanks to the medical staff of the Latvian Federation for “fixing” my ankle just before my event. Although was still painful, but they helped me get through w/ my program...

Jin grew and improved his components a lot since last season. Also I assumed the 2s at the beginning is meant to be a 4s? Amazing that at just 15 he can already do 3a, 4t, and 4s! Not to mention the 3a and 4t are already pretty consistent and of excellent quality!

Is Shoma Uno going to continue to grow much or is he just very, very small? I feel like his technical content and low jumps will always hold him back, but I feel like it will be hard for him to get the big elements if he stays so tiny. His skating and presentation are so wonderful, so I really want him to succeed, but 150 cm at age 15 almost 16? That is a bit concerning. By that age, most boys have started to shoot up

Michael Martinez almost withdrew because of an ankle injury, worse news is that he said a Mexican ( he probably meant Brazilian) fractured his foot and was sent to the hospital, I'm assuming its Manella. Feel so sad for him

Michael Martinez almost withdrew because of an ankle injury, worse news is that he said a Mexican ( he probably meant Brazilian) fractured his foot and was sent to the hospital, I'm assuming its Manella. Feel so sad for him